The firm reviewed 30 Spotify road-trip and driving playlists, selected the 50 songs that appeared most frequently and compared their tempos in beats per minute. Faster tracks ranked higher based on research that has explored connections between high-tempo music and changes in attention and driving behavior.

For truck drivers who may spend hours listening to music behind the wheel, the results offer an interesting look at how the soundtrack inside the cab can interact with the demands of the road.

Five Songs Topped the Ranking

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” took the top spot in the Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm analysis at 192 beats per minute. The song appeared on 24 of the 30 playlists reviewed and had accumulated more than 5 billion Spotify streams.

Oasis followed with “Wonderwall” at 173 BPM, while “STAY” by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber ranked third at 169 BPM.

The five highest-ranked songs were:

1. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran: 192 BPM
2. “Wonderwall” by Oasis: 173 BPM
3. “STAY” by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber: 169 BPM
4. “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol: 166 BPM
5. “One Way Or Another” by Blondie: 162 BPM

The remainder of the top 10 included “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “Hey Ya!” by Outkast, “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers and “Locked out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars.

The ranking used tempo as its primary measure, so appearing near the top does not mean a song has been proven to cause unsafe driving. Instead, the analysis draws on previous research examining whether faster music can influence behavior behind the wheel.

Research on Music and Driving Is More Complicated

Studies have found connections between music and changes in driving performance, but the results do not support a simple rule that a certain BPM automatically makes someone drive faster or lose focus.

Research has shown that the effect can change with the driving environment, volume, tempo and complexity of the task. Music may help with alertness in some situations while creating additional mental demand in others, particularly when conditions already require more concentration.

That distinction is important when looking at the Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm ranking. BPM provides a straightforward way to compare songs, but it is only one factor that can affect how music influences someone behind the wheel.

Long Hours Behind the Wheel Add Another Consideration

The relationship between music and driving can also change as time behind the wheel adds up.

Research examining music during long-distance driving found differences between slow, medium and fast tempos. Medium-tempo music produced the best balance between fatigue and attention, while fast music helped reduce fatigue but was associated with poorer attention after extended driving. Very slow music presented a different problem by contributing to fatigue over time.

That makes the issue especially relevant to professional drivers. A playlist that works well during an open stretch of interstate may feel very different when traffic becomes heavier, weather changes or the route moves through construction or an unfamiliar area.

Volume can add to the effect. Research reviews have found associations between louder music and changes in driving speed, providing another reason not to focus exclusively on the BPM of an individual song.

What This Means for a Truck Driver’s Playlist

The Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm analysis does not mean drivers need to remove “Shape of You,” “Wonderwall” or any of the other songs from their playlists.

The more practical takeaway is to pay attention to how the cab environment fits the road at that moment. High-energy music at a comfortable volume may not present the same distraction on an open highway as it could while navigating heavy traffic, poor weather or a complicated delivery location.

When the workload outside the windshield increases, lowering the volume, switching what is playing or turning the music off altogether can remove one source of competing stimulation.

Truck drivers spend enough time behind the wheel that music will naturally remain part of the job for many of them. The Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm ranking offers a different way to look at familiar driving playlists, while the broader research suggests that tempo is only one piece of a much more complicated relationship between music, alertness and attention on the road.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 11, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post These Popular Road Trip Songs Ranked Highest for Potential Driver Distraction appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The event marked the 30th anniversary of the company’s Million Mile program, which highlights long-term safe driving performance across its fleet.

Drivers Recognized for Long-Term Safety Performance

The group honored this year represents a range of milestones, including drivers who reached 2 million, 3 million, 4 million, and 5 million safe miles.

Among them, four drivers achieved 4 million miles, and one driver reached 5 million miles without a preventable accident. These higher-level milestones are reached by a small number of drivers and reflect extended periods of consistent performance behind the wheel.

Across the company, more than 5,000 drivers have reached at least 1 million safe miles under the program.

What It Takes to Reach Million Mile Status

On average, it takes a driver between 7 and 10 years to reach 1 million miles without a DOT reportable preventable accident.

Reaching higher milestones requires long-term consistency in decision making, trip planning, and on-road awareness. These are not short-term achievements and reflect performance over years of changing conditions and operating environments.

Inside the Million Mile Celebration

The annual event brings together drivers and their families for a multi-day experience at the company headquarters.

Participants are welcomed by leadership, employees, customers, and investors as they arrive to take part in the Million Mile Walk of Fame. The event also includes time for drivers and company leaders to exchange insights and reinforce safety practices that can be applied on the road.

Each driver recognized has their name added to the Million Mile Wall, creating a permanent record of their achievement.

Company Perspective on Safety Recognition

“You can tell a lot about a company by what it chooses to celebrate, and year after year our Million Mile celebration is our biggest opportunity to recognize the drivers who set the standard for safety,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer for J.B. Hunt. “Multimillion-mile achievements are earned one decision at a time through preparation, disciplined habits, and the judgment to do the right thing on every trip, in every condition, without exception. We are proud to recognize this class of drivers and their families, and as a company, we will keep strengthening the support that helps everyone get home safely.”

Why These Milestones Matter for Drivers

Million-mile milestones are based on consistent performance over time, not isolated events. They reflect how drivers manage risk, maintain awareness, and make decisions across thousands of trips.

For drivers, these achievements set a benchmark for what long-term safety performance looks like in real-world conditions.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 5, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: J.B. Hunt

The post 54 J.B. Hunt Drivers Recognized for Reaching Up to 5 Million Safe Miles appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

During this week, law enforcement across the United States and Canada will focus on how vehicles are being operated on the road. Commercial drivers and passenger vehicle drivers observed committing unsafe behaviors can be pulled over and issued a warning or a citation.

What Drivers Will See on the Road

Operation Safe Driver Week centers on real-time driving behavior. Officers will be positioned across highways, urban areas, and high traffic routes, watching for violations that increase crash risk.

Speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and failure to obey traffic signals remain consistent triggers for enforcement. Seatbelt violations, impaired driving, and signs of fatigue are also part of the focus. Drivers should expect increased patrol visibility throughout the week.

How Last Year’s Enforcement Played Out

In 2025, law enforcement personnel in the United States and Canada pulled over 8,739 vehicles during Operation Safe Driver Week. Those stops resulted in 2,504 citations and 3,575 warnings for unsafe driving behaviors.

These results show how frequently enforcement shifts from observation to direct action during targeted campaigns.

Why This Week Matters for Truck Drivers

Unlike inspection-focused events, this initiative targets behavior behind the wheel. That makes it more immediate for drivers operating under tight schedules and changing road conditions.

Driver-related actions are considered preventable, which is why enforcement agencies continue to prioritize them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,640 people were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2025. Data from Transport Canada shows an average of about 2,000 motor vehicle fatalities annually, while Mexico reported 15,979 roadway deaths in 2022.

These figures continue to shape enforcement priorities across North America.

2026 Enforcement Focus

This year’s focus is on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving. Enforcement will center on behaviors that show a lack of control or attention behind the wheel.

Reckless driving involves willful disregard for safety. Careless or dangerous driving refers to operating without proper attention or consideration for others on the road. For commercial drivers, these violations can affect safety scores, employer records, and future opportunities.

What Drivers Should Keep in Mind

As enforcement increases, consistency in how the vehicle is operated becomes the deciding factor. Following distance, speed control, lane discipline, and attention behind the wheel are the same behaviors that determine whether a driver is stopped.

Drivers who stay disciplined in these areas are less likely to be pulled over during targeted enforcement efforts like Operation Safe Driver Week.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 5, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post CVSA July 2026 Enforcement Week Will Target Unsafe Driving Across the U.S. and Canada appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Safety Meeting Targets Issues Drivers See on the Road

The Safety and Security Meeting is built around risk areas that affect daily trucking, including freight theft, inspections, compliance reviews, and accident response.

“The TCA Safety+Security Meeting is built on a 360-degree safety model that looks at every angle of risk, from technology and compliance to the human element,” said Lucas Mowry.

The agenda includes a regulatory update on trucking activity in Washington, a session on protecting freight in a new era of crime, trial strategy and jury insight, and workshops on preparing for DOT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance reviews.

Jeff Skiles Keynote Brings Emergency Decision Making Into Focus

Jeff Skiles will serve as the keynote speaker. Skiles was the copilot on U.S. Airways Flight 1549, known as the Miracle on the Hudson, when the crew safely landed an Airbus A320 on the Hudson River after losing both engines.

His session gives the event a direct safety hook: how trained professionals communicate, assess risk, and make decisions when conditions change without warning.

Workshops Cover Enforcement, Driver Behavior, and Risk

Workshop topics include roadside enforcement insights, audit readiness, OSHA preparation, safety culture, first-line management, and how research and technology are shaping trucking safety.

The schedule also includes Safety in the Rounds discussion groups, exhibit hall receptions, networking breakfasts, the Fleet Safety Awards presentation, and the Safety Professional of the Year Award presentation.

NATMI Meeting Continues With Safety Leadership

The NATMI meeting begins June 9 and runs through noon June 10. Sessions include Lead the Future of Safety, Not Your Dad’s Compliance Program, Modern Risk Reduction, Leading People Safely, and a panel discussion on building the next generation of safety leaders.

The NATMI schedule also includes business meetings, committee reports, breakfast, lunch, and a networking and awards reception.

How to Register

The Safety and Security Meeting runs June 7 through June 9, followed immediately by the NATMI meeting June 9 through June 10 in Oklahoma City.

To register or view the full agenda, visit tcasafetymeeting.com.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: TCA

The post TCA Safety and NATMI Meetings Set for June in Oklahoma City appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The contest, now in its 35th year, introduced the “Keep Our Land Grand” theme and drew nearly 2,200 entries from close to 200 schools across 67 counties. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade across public, private, charter, tribal, home school, and correctional education programs participated, expanding the reach of the message into communities connected to the same highways drivers depend on.

Fifteen students earned recognition across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional awards. Winners received top honors and cash prizes, including $300 for first place and the Promotional Poster of the Year.

Kindergarten through Second Grade

• First Place: Josephine C., 2nd Grade, Pittsburg County
• Second Place: Hallie H., 1st Grade, McClain County
• Third Place: Eilee K., 1st Grade, McCurtain County

Third through Fifth Grade

• First Place: Anamaria S., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
• Second Place: Maria W., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
• Third Place: Ruth E., 5th Grade, Cleveland County

Sixth through Eighth Grade

• First Place: Westley G., 6th Grade, Bryan County
• Second Place: Sadie B., 7th Grade, McCurtain County
• Third Place: Sutton L., 6th Grade, Bryan County

Ninth through Twelfth Grade

• First Place: Lailey I., 12th Grade, Marshall County
• Second Place: Franchesca L. V., 12th Grade, Love County
• Third Place: Emily E., 12th Grade, Woodward County

Promotional Art

• Entry Form Poster: Layla K., 7th Grade, Comanche County
• Postcard: Isabella W., 12th Grade, McClain County
• Promotional Poster: Rilyn T., 11th Grade, Bryan County

Winners were recognized during an April 15 ceremony and honored at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Their artwork will be featured in ODOT’s 2027 calendar, which is set for release in December and will be distributed across the state and beyond, keeping the message visible to residents, travelers, and commercial drivers throughout the year.

For drivers, roadside litter is more than an appearance issue. Debris can damage tires, create unsafe lane conditions, and increase cleanup operations that affect traffic flow. Programs like this are designed to influence long-term habits, encouraging cleaner roads that benefit everyone using them.

“This program empowers students to use creativity to be part of the solution,” said Rhonda Fair, director of community engagement for ODOT. “The transition to the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest reflects that vision, giving students a bigger platform to share their creativity and inspire all Oklahomans to keep our state clean and beautiful.”

The next Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest is scheduled to begin in early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026. The program will continue using student artwork to promote litter-free highways and reinforce safer road conditions across Oklahoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest?
It is an annual student art contest organized by ODOT to promote litter-free highways and communities across Oklahoma.

How many students participated in 2026?
Nearly 2,200 students from almost 200 schools across 67 counties entered the contest.

How many winners were selected?
Fifteen students across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional award winners.

What do winners receive?
Cash prizes, recognition, and placement in statewide materials, including the ODOT calendar.

When does the next contest begin?
Early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026.

Cleaner highways depend on consistent effort from everyone on the road. Programs like this extend that responsibility beyond drivers and into the communities connected to the same routes.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 29, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Oklahoma DOT Student Art Contest Highlights Effort to Keep Highways Clear appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The announcement was made on April 21 and reflects continued focus on truck stop conditions that affect safety and day-to-day usability on the road.

The seven standards behind the rankings

The Women in Motion designation is based on seven requirements developed from feedback provided by women drivers. To qualify for the Top 3 list, a truck stop had to meet all seven standards and also earn strong user ratings in the Trucker Path app.

The seven standards are

• Lighted parking
• Lighted bathroom access
• Lighted lounge areas
• Lighted showers
• Lighted laundry facilities
• 24-hour maintenance
• On-site security

These standards are centered on the conditions drivers say matter most when choosing where to stop.

The top three truck stops on the list

The three highest-rated locations are

• Compass Travel Center in DeMotte, Indiana
• Garden Inn Truck Plaza in Mound City, Missouri
• Talent Truck Stop in Talent, Oregon

Compass Travel Center also ranked number 25 on Trucker Path’s broader Top 100 Truck Stops list.

How Trucker Path is tracking these features

Trucker Path added Women in Motion-specific search functionality in 2024, giving drivers the ability to filter truck stops based on these safety-focused features.

Since then, more than 12,000 truck stops have added information about at least one Women in Motion-friendly feature, and nearly 250 locations now offer all seven.

The Women in Motion section of the app has been accessed more than 64 million times, showing how widely this information is being used.

Why this list matters to truck drivers

Access to safe parking remains a leading challenge, according to WIM and Industry leaders, who say improvements in lighting, security, and facility access are critical to driver well-being, not just convenience.

That makes lists like this more than recognition. They give drivers another way to plan stops around the conditions that matter once the truck is parked.

Nikki Thomas, ATA vice president of industry affairs, said expanding safe stopping options has been a key focus for the group, noting that partnerships with platforms like Trucker Path have encouraged truck stop operators to upgrade amenities.

How drivers can use this information

Drivers can use the Trucker Path app to search routes and filter for Women in Motion-friendly features. Truck stop operators can also add or update their amenity profiles within the platform.

For drivers, that means the app can be used to identify locations that meet these standards before the next stop is locked in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a truck stop women-friendly, according to WIM?
It must meet seven standards tied to lighting, facility access, maintenance, and on-site security.

Which truck stops made the Top 3 list?
Compass Travel Center in Indiana, Garden Inn Truck Plaza in Missouri, and Talent Truck Stop in Oregon.

How were these truck stops selected?
They had to meet all seven Women in Motion standards and receive strong ratings in the Trucker Path app.

Can these features be searched in Trucker Path?
Yes. Trucker Path added Women in Motion-specific search functionality in 2024.

How many truck stops now offer all seven features?
Nearly 250 locations now offer all seven.

Truck stops that meet all seven standards stand out because they align with the conditions women drivers identified as most important. For any driver planning a stop, that makes this list is worth paying attention to.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry updates, job insights, and real-world topics that impact drivers on the road.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking

The post Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops Identified by WIM and Trucker Path appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 462 trucks from Orange EV are impacted.

What Units Are Affected

The recall covers several models commonly used in yard operations:

• 2022 to 2023 T Series Pure Electric Terminal Trucks
• 2023 to 2025 e TRIEVER models
• 2023 to 2026 HUSK e terminal trucks

These trucks are widely used for moving trailers in tight yard environments, where reliability and safety are critical for both drivers and ground personnel.

What the Issue Is

The concern centers around the optional foldaway training seat. In certain conditions, the seat may fail.

Because of that, the affected trucks do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements for seating systems and seat belt anchorages. That creates a potential safety risk anytime the training seat is in use.

What Drivers and Fleets Should Do Now

Until a fix is available, owners are being told to limit use of the training seat.

For drivers and yard operators, this is a reminder to double-check equipment before use, especially when training or running with a second person in the cab. Fleets may also want to review internal safety procedures to make sure teams are aware of the issue.

What Happens Next

A repair solution is still being developed. In the meantime:

• Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed by April 24
• A second notice will go out once the fix is ready

Owners can contact Orange EV customer service at 1 866 688 5223 and reference recall number 2026 SRC 02 for more information.

Why This Matters

For fleets running electric yard trucks, even a small component issue can impact safety and workflow. Staying on top of recalls like this helps prevent downtime and keeps both drivers and equipment protected on the job.

The post Over 400 Orange EV Trucks Recalled for Safety Issues appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

We asked the Truck Drivers USA community to share their “I should’ve known better” rookie moments. The responses were honest, practical, and in many cases, the kind of lessons that stick for a full career.

Here is what drivers had to say, in their own words, along with the takeaways that still matter today.

The Lesson Everyone Learns: Get Out and Look

If there is one habit that came up again and again, it is this one.

Gerren Davis shared:
“Get out and look”. Just because the grass looks even….dosen’t mean it is. One month in to my OTR journey. I dropped the front end of my tractor into a rain runoff ditch in North Carolina. I didn’t want to lose my job…so I dug it out. It took 3 hours and 5 wooden planks, but I reversed it out, made my delivery, fixed the bumper, and got back on the road.

K Otto Phillips added:
About three months ago, backing into a dock where there was really a narrow space between the trucks, I should have gotten out and looked. Didn’t damage the other guy’s truck too much, but that was my first backing incident in thirty years.

Derek Dean kept it simple:
Get out and look

The takeaway is straightforward. When something feels tight or uncertain, taking a minute to check can save hours of problems.

Hookups, Equipment, and Small Steps That Matter

Some of the most memorable mistakes happen before the truck even moves.

David F Gochee shared:
Tried to back under an old trailer before I hooked up the air, and watched it go rolling across the lot about 100 ft till it hit a curb. The trailer wasn’t that old at the time.

Gunther Eric said:
Dropping a 40k load of beer at the warehouse, and forgot to drop the landing gear. Thank God for the trainer who taught us to pull slowly out to make sure the landing gear supported the weight. The trailer rested on the back frame. Never did that ever again!

Famous Wesley added:
Missed the kingpin. Got into a rush, and I didn’t set up correctly. I didn’t do it but once. But after having to crank on that landing gear to reset that trailer. I never did it again.

Sergio Diez shared:
Forget to check you’re taking the right trailer/s (I do LTL, so 2 or 3 trailers at a time).

These are the kinds of steps that become routine over time, but early on, they are easy to rush. The drivers who shared these stories all point to the same thing. Slow down and follow your process every time.

Conditions Change Fast on the Road

Weather, terrain, and load weight can turn a routine run into a learning moment.

Kristin Elizabeth shared:
Had one today, actually. I should have known better than to hook up to a trailer that was parked on a sheet of ice. The yard driver had to pull me out, then pull the trailer out.

Sam Dubberly said:
First time I NY. I pushed the snow over to hit the dock. I was unaware it was ice. You guessed it. Bent the bumper under

Diane Virgin shared:
Accidentally panicked when a guy slid out of control, on ice in front of me, and threw on the brakes; only going about 35, but it was enough of an erratic move, the trailer started sliding to my left towards the ditch. It was a “Jesus, take the wheel” moment, for sure. Got out of it unscathed, but it scared me silly, after the fact.

Chuck Brightly Jr. added:
Driving the Million Dollar Highway in the winter. I read the signs but didn’t care. Beautiful drive, even in the winter.

Roger Morgan said:
Hauling 100,000 LBS of Pumpkins. Cresting Santa Suzanna, pass it, almost didn’t make it. 4 MPH Tach 9!! If I had stopped the clutch, it would never have engaged without a stall. Learn!!

These moments highlight something every driver understands over time. Conditions always deserve respect, no matter how many miles you have behind you.

Tight Spaces and Job Site Surprises

Backing, delivery locations, and customer yards can present challenges you do not always see coming.

Joseph Perlman shared:
I was trying to back a 53′ where I knew it wouldn’t fit. I almost had it in, but needed to swing the tractor an extra couple of feet. Next to where I was parking was a field. I asked my customer if there were any sprinklers there which he replied that there shouldn’t be. There was, and because of my persistence to get the job done i needed to be winched out by a wrecker.

Zach Miller added:
Accidentally pulled into the heavy machine driveway for a job site instead of the truck entrance, and got stuck in some sand and had to get pulled out by a bulldozer.

Mel Luke shared:
Making a delivery in AZ, and I was told to go around and stay in the center of the drive area. When I got to my door, just a few feet away, I swerved to the left, and then I heard the metal crunching. They had an awning that was 12 feet high. My employer was not happy.

James Ducat said:
That a 53ft spread axle flatbed turns well enough to get into the Underwood, Indiana, rest area parking spot at night before the remodel.

These are the situations where patience and planning make all the difference. Even experienced drivers still run into tight spots.

Planning Makes the Difference

A few drivers shared lessons that come down to preparation and decision-making before the wheels even start turning.

Jason Peacher said:
Going into a weigh station before scaling the load out at a CAT scale that was 30 miles in the opposite direction, then going back to the shipper to have them rework the load.

John Robbins shared:
When I first started using a GPS, oh, it was king! No way would it ever steer me wrong! Come on, it’s a freakin satellite out in space, of course it knows the best way! I have straight backed for 3 miles. I have crossed rickety bridges, praying to God my truck didn’t end up in the river! Oh, and when you are in Oregon, be careful of” scenic routes.” They are not always shortcuts. Yes, I learned my lesson the hard way.

These are the kinds of lessons that shape how drivers plan routes, check weights, and double-check directions moving forward.

Learning Through Experience

Some lessons come from stepping into the job itself and figuring it out as you go.

Roger Woodmansee shared:
Saying I could drive a big rig and never have been in one, but I soon learned, all the way to California and back. By the time I got back, I was doing pretty well.

David Blair added:
In training, I got a perfect backup into the dock. But I stayed on the gas and clutch and snapped the drive shaft,  ooopposss.

Helen Klingensmith shared:
Got my foot in the way of a thrown pallet, not paying attention!

Hayden Cran said:
Hauling rolling racks of Nursery stock plants…. Failed to put the cart stop up on the lift gate and sent a 700lb rack of plants straight into the parking lot

Willie Cork added:
Don’t ride with your foot on the clutch…

Each of these moments reflects how quickly the job teaches awareness and discipline.

The Long Lesson That Sticks with You

Some stories stay with drivers for years because of how much they teach in one moment.

Rob Skipper shared a detailed experience from early in his tanker career involving a load of chocolate that was not properly secured before leaving the shipper. After realizing the issue on the road, he returned to have the trailer cleaned and took full responsibility when speaking with the company.

He explained that being honest about the mistake ultimately mattered most and said the experience stayed with him throughout his career.

What These Stories Really Show

Across all these responses, a few patterns stand out.

It’s moments like these that stay with you, and after that, most drivers find themselves slowing down where it matters, staying more aware of what’s around them, and taking that extra second to make sure everything is right before they move.

Most of all, these stories show how drivers look out for each other by sharing what they have learned. Every lesson passed along helps someone else avoid the same situation down the road.

That is how the industry keeps moving forward, one mile and one lesson at a time.

The post “I Should’ve Known Better” Rookie Mistakes Truck Drivers Never Forget appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Together, Fleetworthy and HAAS Alert are strengthening roadside safety by both alerting the motoring public when commercial vehicles are stopped and notifying professional drivers of emergency responders ahead,” Fleetworthy said. “This bidirectional protection creates a connected safety ecosystem that links commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and public agencies in real time to help prevent potentially catastrophic collisions.”

The upgraded integration connects HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud platform with Fleetworthy Safety+. Trucks equipped with the system can now broadcast digital alerts when they are stopped in unsafe locations. Meanwhile, Drivewyze Free—now rebranded as Fleetworthy Foundations—provides in-cab alerts for approaching emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars, using Safety Cloud.

Protecting Stopped Commercial Trucks

Rear-end collisions with heavy trucks are especially dangerous due to the size and weight differences between commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Fleetworthy notes that roadside incidents remain some of the riskiest situations for drivers and first responders, particularly when visibility is limited or traffic conditions change quickly.

“When a truck equipped with Fleetworthy Safety+ stops on the shoulder of an interstate or major highway due to an inspection, mechanical issues, or other unplanned roadside events, Safety Cloud PROTECT automatically detects the vehicle,” Fleetworthy said. “It then sends real-time digital alerts to approaching motorists via their connected vehicle systems in select Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo models and through navigation apps such as Waze and Apple Maps.”

Extending Safety Beyond Line of Sight

Safety Cloud alerts are designed to reach drivers before they can even see a stopped truck. This includes drivers approaching around curves, over hills, or during low-visibility conditions, giving them crucial extra time to react and reduce the risk of high-speed rear-end crashes and secondary collisions.

“Fleet safety means protecting drivers not only while they’re moving, but during their most vulnerable roadside moments,” said Martin Murtland, vice president of product, Fleetworthy. “By deepening our integration with HAAS Alert, we’re extending digital protection beyond the cab and into the broader driving public, helping truckers reduce risk and proactively prevent severe crashes.”

Emergency Vehicle Alerts

Fleetworthy Foundations users now receive real-time alerts for stopped emergency vehicles, powered by Safety Cloud ALERT. When fire trucks, ambulances, or police vehicles activate their lights, Fleetworthy-enabled trucks are warned, allowing drivers to adjust speed or change lanes safely while complying with Move Over laws.

Currently, emergency vehicle alerts are live along interstate highways in roughly one-third of U.S. states, with plans for nationwide availability later this year.

“Digital alerting closes the gap between what drivers can see and what they need to know,” said Jeremy Agulnek, CPO, HAAS Alert. “By further integrating Safety Cloud ALERT and Safety Cloud PROTECT with Fleetworthy’s platform, we’re delivering real-time visibility that protects professional drivers, first responders, and the motoring public during some of the most dangerous roadside moments.”

Move Over Protections Expand

Fleetworthy Smart Roadways can extend alert coverage to additional roadside responders such as tow trucks, construction crews, utility vehicles, and roadside assistance personnel. This system helps commercial drivers stay aware of hazards and provides another layer of protection for vulnerable personnel.

“Together, Fleetworthy and HAAS Alert are reinforcing a shared commitment to modernizing roadway safety through connected, data-driven technology that protects drivers, responders, and the public,” Fleetworthy said.

The post Fleetworthy, HAAS Alert Deepen Partnership to Deliver Real-Time Roadside AlertsFleetworthy, HAAS Alert Deepen Partnership to Deliver Real-Time Roadside Alerts1145Block for appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The opening phase of the competition highlights carriers that posted the lowest accident frequency in their respective mileage classes, with results verified by independent auditors. These Round 1 honorees now move forward in the process that ultimately determines the safest tank truck fleets in North America.

Final safety champions will be unveiled on April 22 at NTTC’s 2026 Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

“The Grand Champion designation reflects outstanding performance across a range of safety metrics, including accident frequency, compliance history, and safety program implementation.”

How the Safety Contest Works

The North American Safety Contest is open to both for-hire carriers and private fleets that are NTTC members in good standing. Participants are grouped into floating mileage classes, ensuring carriers are evaluated against peers of similar operational size.

The contest unfolds in two stages:

• Round 1 (Competitive Safety Contest): Recognizes Grand, Honor, and Merit winners in each mileage class based strictly on accident frequency.
• Round 2: Grand award recipients advance to a deeper evaluation covering nine critical areas, including driver qualification, training programs, vehicle and tank maintenance, incident response, and overall safety management.

For-hire carriers are split into two divisions:

• Harvison Division: More than 15 million miles annually
• Sutherland Division: Less than 15 million miles annually

Each division is broken into evenly distributed mileage classes based on the number of participating companies.

For-Hire Carrier Award Winners

Harvison Division (More than 15 million miles)

Grand

• Heniff Transportation Systems — Class 1
• Oakley Transport — Class 2
• Ergon Trucking — Class 3
• LGT Transport — Class 4
• Tidewater Transit — Class 5

Honor

• Quality Carriers — Class 1
• Andrews Logistics — Class 2
• Highway Transport Chemical — Class 3
• Genox Transportation — Class 4
• Liquid Trucking — Class 5

Merit

• Kenan Advantage Group — Class 1
• TransWood Carriers — Class 2
• Western Dairy Transport — Class 3
• Action Resources — Class 4
• Custom — Class 5

Sutherland Division (Less than 15 million miles)

Grand

• Usher Transport — Class 6
• RST Industries — Class 7
• Iowa Tanklines — Class 8
• Liquid Cargo — Class 8
• Reed Hurst Trucking — Class 8
• Ee-Jay Motor Transports — Class 9
• Chemical South Transport — Class 9
• Lacy’s Express — Class 10
• MBH Trucking — Class 10
• Ventura Transfer Company — Class 10
• Weaver Bros. — Class 10

Honor

• Associated Petroleum Carriers — Class 6
• All Chemical Transport — Class 7
• Alaska West Express — Class 8
• Roeder Cartage — Class 9
• J&S Transport — Class 10

Merit

• HazMat Environmental Group — Class 6
• G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation — Class 7
• LCL Bulk Transport — Class 8
• PAR Trucking — Class 9

Private Fleet Award Winners

Grand

• Pilot Travel Centers — Class 1
• SWTO — Class 2
• RB Stewart Petroleum Products — Class 3
• Sapphire Gas Solutions — Class 4
• Chevron Phillips Chemical — Class 5
• Poolsure — Class 5

Honor

• Gemini Motor Transport — Class 1
• Casey’s Services — Class 2
• ADM Trucking — Class 3
• LSP Transport — Class 4
• Kuehne Chemical — Class 5

Merit

• CLI Transport — Class 2

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